About The Song
“High School Confidential” was a double whammy for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1958. Not only was it a rock and roll hit, but it was also the title song for the film of the same name.
- Songwriting: Lewis co-wrote the song with Ron Hargrave, capturing the rebellious energy of teenagers and the thrill of forbidden secrets.
- Film: The movie, a teen crime drama, starred Elvis Presley’s future manager, Colonel Tom Parker. While the film itself wasn’t a huge hit, it provided a platform for the song.
Themes:
- Rebellion: The song reflects the growing youth culture of the 1950s, with teenagers breaking away from societal norms.
- Secrets and Scandal: The lyrics hint at hidden activities and forbidden love, adding an element of mystery.
- Rock and Roll Energy: Lewis’s signature pounding piano and dynamic vocals perfectly embody the raw energy of early rock and roll.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “High School Confidential” are delivered in Lewis’s signature, rapid-fire style. They paint a picture of a high school where students aren’t just studying, but also keeping secrets:
- “We got a lotta cats down at our school / That think they’re gonna break every rule”
The chorus emphasizes the hidden world existing beneath the surface of seemingly innocent teenagers:
- “High school confidential / Secrets that can’t be revealed / High school confidential / What goes on, nobody knows”
The song doesn’t delve into the specifics of these secrets, but leaves it to the listener’s imagination, which likely added to its appeal.
Video
Lyric
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Open up, a-honey, it’s your lover boy me that’s a-knockin’Why don’t you listen to me, sugar? All the cats are at the high school rockin’Honey, get your boppin’ shoes‘Fore the jukebox blow the fuseEverybody hoppin’Everybody’s boppin’Boppin’ at the high school hop
They’re boppin’ at the high school hopShakin’ at the high school hopHoppin’ at the high school rockRockin’ at the high school hopWell, everybody hoppin’Everybody’s boppin’Boppin’ at the high school hop
Come on, little baby, let’s just rock a little bit tonightWoo, let’s get with it sugar, let’s shake it up tonightWell, my heart’s a-beatin’ rhythm and my feet are movin’ smooth and light
Well, boppin’ at the high school hopBoppin’ at the high school hopShakin’ at the high school hopMovin’ at the high school hopEverybody boppin’Everybody rockin’Boppin’ at the high school hopNow, let’s go
Well, now let me tell you something, babyI’m-a gonna give you some good newsLook a-here, sweet mama, let’s burn off both our shoesWell, my heart’s a-beatin’ rhythm and my soul is singin’ the blues
Well, boppin’ at the high school hopHoppin’ at the high school hopWe’re just a-jumpin’ at the high school hopWe’re rollin’ at the high school hopWell, everybody hoppin’Everybody’s boppin’Boppin’ at the high school hopNow, let’s go, woo
Well, boppin’ at the high school hopHoppin’ at the high school hopShakin’ at the high school hopWe’re just a-movin’ and a-groovin’ at the high school hopOh, baby, everybody boppin’Everybody’s hoppin’Boppin’ at the high school hop